05/14/2012

The Great John H. White

A couple months back, Donald Winslow, the editor of the National Press Photographers Association's News Photographer magazine, emailed me asking if I would be able to photograph a "renowned" Chicago photographer for the April 2012 issue.

My first thought was, "I hope he means John H. White."

Several weeks later, he confirmed, that indeed, he was looking for me to hang out with John a bit for a cover story honoring John on the 30th anniversary of his Pulitzer Prize.

After running the idea past my photo chief, I was given the green light.

Before I go on about my time with John, I want to first give some context.

Back in 1986, shortly after graduating from Ripon College, I was trying to break into the world of newspaper photography.

At the time, I had absolutely no experience and not a soul was responding to the resumes that I had sent out to almost every newspaper in the Midwest.

Then one day, Erv Gebhard of the Milwaukee Journal called and asked if I would like to come up to Wisconsin and show him my work.

I tightened up my portfolio of ill-composed sports photos shot from the stands, artsy silhouettes and reflections and a photo story on public sculpture in Chicago that didn't have one human in it and headed north.

After looking at my work, Gebhard kindly said that I had a good eye, but, that I needed to get some experience. He said that I should either get a job at a small paper or go back to school and take some photo classes.

As I headed out the door, he told me to give John H. White a call. He said John taught a photojournalism class at Chicago's Columbia College and his tutelage might be exactly what I needed to get on the right track.

The next morning, I called John to inquire about how I would go about taking his class. After discussing my photo background or lack thereof, John told me that I would first have to take Photo I and Darkroom I before I could enroll in his class.

Halfway through those introductory classes at Columbia, I was offered a part time job at The Daily Calumet, a community newspaper that covered Chicago's southeast side and south suburbs.

I promptly stopped going to school and began learning my craft on the job.

In hindsight, I wonder what trajectory my career would have taken if I had hung around Columbia long enough to be taught my John.

But when I really think about it, I have been taught by John everday of the past 26 years.

Working in the same city as John, seeing his images in the Sun-Times and occasionally shooting side by side with him has improved my skills as a photographer, however, more importantly, watching his work ethic, the way he treats his fellow man and his uplifting presence has shown me a golden example of how to live life.

The photos that I am sharing here are from three visits with John right before and on Easter.

The whole time was magical, although, photographing John at the Sun-Times' office was extremely awkward.

The high point of the assignment, and maybe of my entire career, was Easter morning.

I arrived at John's South side residence before dawn.

I was awestruck and humbled as I entered his home and witnessed his life's work covering the walls.

John is a private man and I felt extremely honored to be allowed into his world.

As John finished getting ready, I walked around, mouth agape, soaking in the experience.

In short time we were off to the lakefront where John tries to begin each day at sunrise, where in his words he "recharges his batteries" and spends a "moment with God".

After documenting John's ritual of half prayer half photography, I took a break to stand with John, arm around his shoulder and his around mine, facing the rising sun, soaking in this glorious scene.

John then took time to pray for me, my family and to thank God for letting us share this time together.

I didn't want that moment to end.

John likes to say that he sometimes is given "assignments from God". Well, I can honestly say that my time spent with John H. White was a gift.

I can never give back to John everything that he has given me, but, I definitely can pay it forward and try to live my life like John lives his.

God bless you John H. White.

Keep in flight!

Comments

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What an amazing story, well honored Mr. John H. White. Im glad you mention your struggle to find a job in the beginning of your career. Learning your beginnings, seeing the passion for your work and this photos have remind me why I photograph.

Like the final words to Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World," I can only think "Ohhhhhhhh... Yaaaaaaaa..." This piece is a fitting tribute to the man who has made such a profound impact on the lives of others. The written and photographic volume above speaks to the character of noble a man, devoid of ego, who inspires in both word and deed. Like Karen, "he is also my hero." I am fortunate to have learned from him at Eddie Adams XIV (workshop), and look forward to the day when I'll get to thank him for the impact he has had on my life (from just one week of his presence). Thank you, John H. White. "Keep in flight." -Rob

Scott, excellently written and exquisitely shot. I've been so privileged to have had the opportunity to "work" with John H. White during some of the "PJ Love" events at Columbia College Chicago. He is as unique a man as you may ever have the chance to meet and as a teacher and mentor, I have seen few who can parallel his gift. He gives his images a soul and inspires his students to do the same. He teaches them to love the light and anticipate the all-important-moment. When photos are your life, it's incredible to see how powerful this mantra can be. Keep in Flight, JHW!

I was looking at News Photog on Sunday and I knew you shot the photos before I even checked. Awesome as always Scott. Thanks for sharing some words and emotions behind shooting these. Oh and BTW, you do pay it forward by inspiring us with this blog and your wonderful vision. Thanks. -Bryan

I remember John from my days growing up in the Chicago area. I met him a few times while trying to find my own way in photography. It's safe to say there are few men as inspired, and inspiring, as John and those few brief encounters definitely impacted my career in positive and profound ways.

I have to say that the NPPA showed it true meaning of Photojournalism. Publishing a story about John H. White. Should John check these comments this message is from Jerry Tomaselli, Kid Dynomite! I would hope John would contact me and we could recall those fun times on the Sun-Times. tomapic47@yahoo.com

Scott, your visual storytelling and words perfectly depict the life and legacy of this Man many of us know and deeply love. When you and I met at the Daily Cal, little did we know where our camera's would take us. I am proud of you and your accomplishments. You are the right choice for this assignment, and when I saw the B&W I knew exactly why. Beautiful work!
Likewise, when I worked for Bernardin it was an emotionally happy day when I learned that the guy who showed me what I had inside my camera was chosen to do the picture book about the guy who was at the time mostly the subject of my camera. Not a day goes by that I don't use something in technique or in life that I learned from JHW. He is the master at the simple moment, and using his camera to develop relationships. Many of us who know, once you meet him your life is never the same and better for it. Sorry for not being brief, I just felt compelled this all needed to be said. Keep In Flight!

I have been questioning why a university near me still teaches creatives, writers, photographers, artists. They only hire- work for hire now. They also don't require the said work for hire folks to have any higher learning... just a web-blog of half backed truths and over-massaged images.

If Charlie White is done... I guess I should have thrown the towel in 3 years ago when I saw what I mention above start to happen. In the end, why should a university teach creatives, when they don't value the credential they teach?

sorry I botched John White's name above... I post on this day that 30 great photographers hit the street. I have worked for a couple newspapers, the AP, and have been freelance for 15 years now.... days numbered.